Foster, David – Born into the motor trade
David Ronald Foster (1949-2015) David Ronald Foster, was born in Grantham, the only son of Ron and Doreen Foster. He attended Spitalgate School before joining his father at Harlaxton…
Foster, Frederick – former Grantham Mayor was tortured by Gestapo
Frederick Foster (1915-1990) Born in Claypole, Fred Foster never spoke about his wartime activities. Yet when they were discovered by his son Steven, they were worthy of a book.…
Foster, Gladys – Baker’s daughter became Grantham Mayor
Gladys Foster (1929-2012) GLADYS Foster, formerly Herriott, was a long serving councillor both for the county and district. A KGGS old girl, Mrs Foster was president of the Grantham…
Foster, Richard – Daredevil Dick tamed the big cats
Richard Foster (1892- ?) GRANTHAM-born Richard Foster became better known throughout Great Britain and Europe as Daredevil Dick the fearless lion tamer. Educated at Grantham Wesleyan School and…
Foster, Ron – Born into the motor trade
David Ronald Foster (1949-2015) David Ronald Foster, of Belton Lane, was born in Grantham, he was the only son of Ron and Doreen Foster. He attended Spitalgate School before…
Fowler, Benjamin – Grantham surgeon saved French soldiers
Benjamin Fowler (1917-1982) BENJAMIN John Fowler was consultant surgeon at Grantham Hospital from 1962 until his retirement 20 years later. He was born and brought up in Peterborough and…
Foxe, Richard – Founder of Grantham King’s School
BISHOP Richard Foxe was one of the most important and influential men in England but never forgot his roots.
Fradd, Elizabeth – Ran part of Grantham Hospital after the Allitt tragedies
Dame Elizabeth Fradd (1949 – 2024) Photo: Telegraph Professor Dame Elizabeth Fradd, who has died on her 75th birthday, was a leading children’s nurse who became an NHS “troubleshooter”…
Freeman, Levi – Levi was a drummer – but wasn’t into music
Levi Freeman (1871-1939) LEVI Freeman was a professional footballer, mainly in non-league soccer. In his early days he was a prominent figure soccer circles Apart from Grantham Rovers, he…
French, David – Grantham artist who painted Shergar
David French (1939-2019) DAVID French was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and after studying at his local college of art and the Bath Academy, he trained as a teacher…
Frier, Dr Charles – GP practised in town for nearly 60 years
Dr Charles Frier (1871-1958) DR Charles Matthew Frier (pronounced Fre-er)was born in Northallerton, North Yorkshire to Scottish parents Matthew and Marian Frier. His father was a Bank Manager living…
Gardiner, Chris – Between the posts at Grantham for a quarter century
Chris Gardiner (1946-2016)BORN Brownhills, Staffordshire, Christopher Gardiner is usually regarded as Grantham Town’s outstanding goalkeeper and at his peak was considered the best in non-league football. He went to Colsterworth…
Garner, Michael – an actor who was ‘Poison’
Michael Gordon Garner (b 1954) He is a TV and stage actor, best known for playing Leading Firefighter/Sub Officer Geoffrey “Poison” Pearce in ITV’s hit London’s Burning between 1993…
Garnham, Bert – Killed six weeks before war ended
Bert Garnham (1897-1918) HERBERT Garnham was killed in action just six weeks before the end of the Great War having joined the RGA in October 1915. Not only was…
Garratt, Richard – Grantham draper served on all the councils
Richard Garratt (1866-1932) BORN at Dogdyke, near Tattershall Bridge, Richard Garratt lived in Lincolnshire all of his life, but the most significant part was in Grantham. He was apprenticed…
Garrett, George – Big George is everyone’s favourite citizen –
George Richardson Garrett (b1946) GEORGE Garret is someone virtually everyone in Grantham knows and no one has a bad word for. Born in Welby Street when it was full…
Garrick, David – Grantham A&E boss for 14 years
Herbert David Oluwole Garrick (1945-2016) Dr David Garrick was the man in charge of Grantham A&E department until his retirement in 2008 has died. He took over the department…
Garthwaite, Anna Maria – Silk-weaving was her forte
Anna Maria Garthwaite (1688-1763) Anna Maria Garthwaite was the daughter of a wealthy Rev Ephraim Garthwaite Rector of Harston, near Knipton, and his wife Rejoyce (nee Hausted). The family…
Gaskell, Lily, aka Uma Thumpin – Grantham-born singer who rocks on rollers
Elizabeth Charlotte Gaskell (b1992) Singer and roller derby doyen Lily Gaskell went to Stepping Stones Nursery, Harrowby Infants, National Junior School and KGGS. She had a brief stint as…
Geeson, George – Avid collector opened a motorcycle museum
George Geeson (1913-2016) George Geeson always lived in the South and North Witham area, finally settling in his bungalow in Water Lane, South Witham. He was a vintage vehicle…
Gerrard-Wright, Maj-Gen – Helped Kenya become independent
Maj-Gen Dick Gerrard-Wright (1930-2012) Maj-Gen Dick Gerrard-Wright was a talented officer and natural leader who dealt with exacting postings in Kenya and Northern Ireland. Richard Eustace John Gerrard-Wright was…
Gibbons, Alfie – local lad was a hit with Town
Alfie Gibbons (1943-2011) Grantham Amateurs and St John’s player Alfie made his first team debut for Grantham Town in March 1964 at Long Eaton when Brian Storrow was unavailable.…
Gibson, Valerie – One of UK’s top scientists
Professor Valerie Gibson CBE Val Gibson is the UK Spokesperson for the LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in CERN, Geneva. Professor Valerie Gibson, Professor of High…
Gibson, Vernon C – Top adviser at the MoD
VERNON Charles Gibson FRS is an English chemist, and Visiting Professor at Imperial College London. He became Chief Scientific Adviser at the Ministry of Defence in July 2012.
Gilbert of Sempringham – Founder of the only British monastic order
THE tiny hamlet of Sempringham, near Billingborough, not only boasts a saint,
Gilkes, John Ernest – died trying to disarm UXB in Grantham
Lt John Ernest Gilkes (1918-1940) The son of James and Phoebe Ann Gilkes, John married Winifred May Gilkes from his home town of Leamington Spa. He joined the Royal…
Gillieson, Elizabeth – Doctor who went the extra mile
DR Elizabeth Celia Gillieson practiced medicine in Grantham for 42 years
Gillison, Denis – Grantham lad is best-known busker Down Under
BORN in Agnes Street, off East Street, Dennis went to St Anne’s School and King’s School. On leaving, he became an apprentice in Aveling-Barford drawing office, Houghton Road, later…
Gloucester, Prince William – Barracks named after him in Grantham
Prince William of Gloucester (1941-1972) Prince William of Gloucester, William Henry Andrew Frederick was a grandson of King George V of the United Kingdom. He probably never heard of…
Godber, Joe – A popular Grantham MP for nearly 30 years
Joseph Godber (1914 – 1980) Joseph Bradshaw Godber, Baron Godber of Willington PC was a British Conservative Party politician and cabinet minister. Godber was educated at Bedford School and…
Goddard, Mike – From running up mountains to running top UK business
Michael Goddard (b1949) Mike Goddard spent 17 years in the RAF, ending up as a Wing Commander at a base in South Wales. At the age of 45, he…
Gooderson, John – Founder of Spittlegate Ironworks CC
John Gooderson (1859-1939) BORN in Heckington, John Gooderson was educated at Grantham, before joining Richand Hornsby & Sons for whom he worked for 57 years. He retired in 1928…
Goodliff, Fred – Journal editor was football club chairman
Frederick William Goodliff (1920-2011) Frederick Goodliff was born in Grantham, one of two children and the only son of the late William (‘Bill’) and Alice Goodliff. Bill was a…
Goold, Ebenezer – Founder of the Grantham Brotherhood
Ebenezer Goold (c1880 -1940) EBENEZER Goold MA Mus.Bac was a pioneer and an outstanding figure in the Brotherhood Movement, and at one time a Congregational minister. He helped form…
Gorin, Douglas – A colourful entertainer in Black & White
Douglas Gorin (b1937) Brought up in the Edward Street area, He was the son of Gloucester-born Charles, personnel manager at Ruston & Hornsby. His family had come to Grantham…
Graham, Arnold – Fishmonger became popular greengrocer
Arnold Graham (1921-2010) ARNOLD Graham became Grantham’s best know greengrocer after opening his Swinegate business in December 1955, a family business that continued after his death. Arnold lived in…
Greaves, Arthur – Bishop was a keen musician
Arthur Greaves (1873-1959) ARTHUR Ivan Greaves was an Anglican bishop in the mid 20th century. He was educated at Hurstpierpoint College and Keble College, Oxford. After a period of…
Green, Phil – Popular local landlord born over Laundry
Phillip Green (1930-2013) PHIL Green was born above Grantham Steam Laundry, Belton Lane. He began work as an electrician at Aveling Barford, but at 16 joined the Royal Navy,…
Gregory, Fred – Journalist was killed by train
Fred Gregory (1882-1935) GRANTHAM Journal chief reporter Frank Gregory was killed by a train on the foot crossing near Spittlegate bridge. He had worked for the newspaper for 37…
Gresley, Sir Nigel
Sir Herbert Nigel Gresley (1876-1941) On the morning of 3 July 1938, most of the Mallard 4468 crew had no idea they were about to make history. According to…
Groome, Auckland – Agent to the Dukes of Rutland
Capt Auckland William Wollaston Groome (1865-1954) CAPT Auckland William Wollaston Groome was agent to the Duke of Rutland and the Belvoir Estates, until retiring aged 82. For many years…
Grosset, Tom – The drummer you just can’t beat
Tom Grosset (b1990) GRANTHAM-born Tom Grosset is not only a drummer, but a very fast drummer. In fact he is officially the fastest in the world. Born in August…
Groves, Paul – Actor, stand-up, children’s TV writer and a Grantham teacher
Paul Groves (1930-2017) PAUL Groves began in the acting profession and went on to become one of Britain’s most prolific children’s writers. Born in Oxford in 1930, Paul showed…
Grubb, Tim – GB Olympic showjumper switched allegiance to USA
Tim Grubb (1954-2010) Grantham-born Tim Grubb, represented Great Britain on their Olympic Show Jumping team on three occasions and rode in over 75 Nations’ Cups. His riding history ran…
Grubb, Tim – GB Olympic showjumper switched allegiance to USA
Tim Grubb (1954-2010) Grantham-born Tim Grubb, represented Great Britain on their Olympic Show Jumping team on three occasions and rode in over 75 Nations’ Cups. His riding history ran…
Grylls, Mary – Barrister was a Scrabble buff
Mary Grylls (1924-2009) MRS Mary Grylls, nee Wallace, was the daughter of Grantham High Street dentist Fred Wallace and his wife Muriel. After attending Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School she…
Guile, John F – Grantham Town Clerk for 25 years
John Francis Guile (1903 – 1986) John F Guile was Grantham Borough’s Town Clerk from 1943 until his retirement in 1968. He became a solicitor in Nottingham before turning…
Gujral, Dan Vaibhav – aka Rhesus Gene
Dan Vaibhav Gujral (b1981) Dan Vaibhav Gujral is a Grantham-based contemporary musician He became interested in music while still at school (hated school so not saying) and by the…
Gutch, Eliza – alias St Swithin
Eliza Gutch (1840-1931) BORN Eliza Hutchinson on St Swithin’s Day, at Manthorpe Lodge, Little Gonerby-cum-Manthorpe, she was an English author and contributor to Notes and Queries using the pseudonym…
Hack, Pete – Popular local sportsman
Pete Hack (1949-2004) PETER Edward Hack was a highly respected local footballer, but it was on the field of play that tragedy struck. Born in Melton Mowbray, he attended…
Hahn, Hans – Air ace died in Grantham collision
Hans Hahn (1919-1941) Hans Hahn was born on 9 February 1919 at Rheydt in Rheinland. He trained as a bomber pilot and was assigned to a Kampfgeschwader in January…
Hall, Arthur – Grantham MP had a hill named after him
Arthur Hall (1539-1605) Arthur Hall was an MP, courtier and translator who lived at Grantham House, Castlegate, which was then called Hall Place. He also owned the fields to…
Hall, Mike – The boy who tackled the mighty Compton
Mike Hall (b1954) Mike Hall was born to musical parents on New Years’ Day, 1954 at Sharpe Road. His father, Cyril, played saxophone in local bands. At the age…
Hall, Tim – Rocking the housing market
Tim Hall (1968- ) BORN in Nottingham, Tim’s early years were spent in Sutton-on-Trent where he went to the Sutton-on-Trent primary school. He then went to Wellow House School…
Hamey, Tim – Grantham jockey won Grand National
Tim Hamey (1905-1993) JOCKEY Tim Hamey was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to Grantham after winning the Grand National. As a jockey he was renowned for being…
Hamilton, Neil – Lawyer who just loved cricket
Edward Neil Hamilton (1936 – 2023) Neil Hamilton will be remembered as both a solicitor and for cricket in equal measures. His father, a Grantham lawyer, lived at Riverside,…
Hand, William – Started work aged 10
William Hand (1865- 1939) WILLIAM Hand was the eldest son the late Richard Hand, who was bandsman in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. He began work aged 10…
Hanks, Horace – Malster was a war hero
Horace Hanks (1894- 1978 ) Cecil Charles Hanks, known as Horace, was born in Trunch, Norfolk, in 1895. In the First World War he joined the Army in August…
Hardy, Joan
Joan Hardy (1922-2013) JOAN Marguerite Emma Hardy, was the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Walter Meadows. She attended St Anne’s School in Grantham, from 1926 to 1932, followed…
Hardy, Ernest – King’s head fell out with governors
Ernest Hardy (1852-1925) ERNEST George Hardy was headmaster of The King’s School, Grantham from 1879 to 1887. He resigned following a struggle with the governors, and moved back to…
Hardy, Miles – Grantham’s peerless ploughman
Miles hardy (1851-1931) FRISKNEY-born Miles Hardy, who lived at 31 Wharf Road, was regarded at Britain’s best ploughman. He gained national fame when he won his…
Hardy, Oliver – Grantham draper joined Army intelligence
Oliver Hardy (1920-2011) Born in Tindal Road, Grantham, Oliver Hardy was the youngest son of Caroline and Fred Hardy. He attended the National School and the Boys’ Central…
Harold Hempton – Reopened derelict Grantham tannery
Harold Jeffrey Hempton 1905-1986 Harold Jeffrey Hempton was born in Lincoln, moving to Grantham in 1934. In a deal with Gunnar Bjorlow, of Copenhagen, he reopened the former canalside…
Harper, Roy – Top musician lived near Grantham
Roy Harper (b1941) English singer/songwriter/guitarist, Roy Harper, moved to Folkingham in 1987. He bought No. 25 Market Place, now The White House, a three-storey five-bay late eighteenth-century stone house…
Harris, Bomber – RAF chief lived in wartime Grantham
Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, (1892-1984) MARSHAL of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris, 1st Baronet GCB OBE AFC Known as “Bomber” Harris by the press, and often…
Harris, Elaine – Played for top British band when only 15
Elaine Harris (1939 – ?) ELAINE Harris, of Station Road, Grantham, struck a blow for women musicians. When only 15 she joined the top all-women Ivy Benson Band, playing…
Harris, Jack – Ruston’s apprentice became builders merchant
Jack Harris (1900-1979) Grantham born Charles Frederick Harris, known to everyone as Jack, started his working life as an apprentice fitter at Ruston & Hornsby. During the First World…
Harris, Paul Michael -Had a passion for potatoes
Dr Paul Michael Harris (1933-2014) Born in Grantham Paul Harris was educated at King’s School, where he played rugby, cricket and tennis and later played rugby for Kesteven. After…
